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An overnight sensation 20 years in the making”- Steve Hill is anything but the stereotypical one-man band. Truly a sight to behold, as he stands behind a small but well used drum kit, guitar in hand, drumstick attached to the headstock of the guitar. As he is singing, playing the drums and the guitar, all at the same time, he will sharply bring the guitar head down and smack a few cymbals with the attached drumstick. Confused? Watch the video above and it will become clearer. His guitar playing style is also incredible to watch. The pick stays in the back pocket as he favours a finger picking/strumming style. So, after 20 years or so, this is his first live album.No loops or backing tapes, this is a live album, warts and all. At times, Hill’s warm, gruff voice hints at a younger Billy Gibbons… rich, deep, and one that you better believe can tell a tale or two. When he slows things down on the likes of ‘Never Is Such A Long Time’, or the gritty Paris Texas vibe of ‘Nothing New’, you can almost hear the dust in his throat. Equally at home on these slower, more traditional blues numbers as he is on the faster, more up tempo moments, like the full-tilt boogie of ‘Hate To See You Go’, Hill is a man with many strings to his bow. Did I forget to mention that he can also play a mean harmonica? ‘Tough Luck’ begins with some guitar noodling before the soft bass drum sound gently kicks in… all the while, Hill is setting the scene with some atmospheric harmonica, but it’s his prowess on the guitar that makes the neck hair stand to attention. ‘Hate To See You Go’ is scorching, as is ‘Emily’, where Hill delivers a beautifully restrained performance… or the guitar fireworks on the incendiary cover of ‘Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)’. Got to remember though, when he is delivering these gorgeous solos, both feet are also up to something. Steve Hill is living proof that men can indeed multi-task. Steve Hill and the ‘The One-Man Blues Rock Band’ might not be to everyone’s liking. Some people struggle with the fact that there are no other guys up there helping make that sound, but take the blinkers off, sit back, and soak it up. Available now, for more information and all current and forthcoming live dates, check out the official Steve Hill facebook here. Review: Dave]]>
